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NOW: Procession of monks arrives in Arlington, bringing road closures and crowds

By Dan Egitto
1/6

A procession of Buddhist monks has been passing through Arlington this afternoon, drawing crowds of onlookers and rolling road closures.

The monks, who are nearing the end of a 2,300-mile journey on foot from Fort Worth, Texas, arrived in Arlington via Richmond Highway after spending the morning in Alexandria. They were passing by S. Fern Street on Army Navy Drive around 3:30 p.m.

The group’s leader, the Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara, delivered an address outside Christ Church in Old Town Alexandria around 12:30 p.m.

The monks and their dog are progressing through the following route in Arlington before delivering an address at Marymount University’s North Arlington campus, where they’re apparently staying the night.

  • Depart Alexandria and enter Arlington County along Route 1
  • Right onto Crystal Drive
  • Crystal Drive becomes 12th Street S.
  • Right onto Army Navy Drive
  • Right onto S. Joyce Street
  • Left onto Columbia Pike
  • Right onto Washington Boulevard
  • Right onto N. Glebe Road
  • End at Marymount University

Members of the public may attend the Marymount event in front of the Administration Building (Rixey Mansion).

Walk for Peace route on Monday (via ACPD)

Tuesday’s Walk for Peace route — expected to begin at 7 a.m. — will be:

  • Depart Marymount University (no public event scheduled at Marymount University)
  • Right onto N. Glebe Road
  • Right onto Chain Bridge Road
  • Exit Arlington County
Walk for Peace route on Tuesday (via ACPD)

Police offered the following guidance for spectators.

  • Quietly line streets along the route.
  • Do not walk behind or follow the monks for safety reasons.
  • Stay out of roadways and avoid obstructing traffic.
  • Do not attempt to touch, approach or step in front of the monks.
  • Always maintain a respectful distance and please allow the monks to initiate any interaction.
  • Follow all instructions and guidance from law enforcement and event coordinators.
  • The monks have everything they need for their pilgrimage, including food, shoes, supplies and other necessities. They are not accepting material donations at this time.

About the Author

  • Dan Egitto is an editor and reporter at ARLnow. Originally from Central Florida, he graduated from Duke University and previously reported at the Palatka Daily News in Florida and the Vallejo Times-Herald in California. Dan joined ARLnow in January 2024.